Barcelona probes January move for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie

Spanish sports media outlet SPORT reported on November 4 that Barcelona has initiated discussions with the representatives of Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie regarding a potential transfer during the January window. The La Liga leaders are seeking to strengthen their defensive line, and Hincapie is currently ranked high on the club’s target list under sporting director Deco.

Hincapie joined Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, during which he helped Mikel Arteta’s team secure the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final. The Ecuador international made 39 appearances in all competitions that year. Arsenal subsequently exercised their option to make the transfer permanent for a fee exceeding £35 million, and Hincapie signed a five-year contract.

His situation at the club has shifted in the 2026/27 campaign. The 24-year-old has yet to start a Premier League match this season due to injury setbacks and competition for positions. He has accumulated only 46 minutes of top-flight playtime. At left-back, he sits behind Riccardo Calafiori in the squad hierarchy. Competition for center-back roles intensified in the summer with the arrival of England international Ezri Konsa.

Arteta is reportedly reluctant to release any first-team players during the winter window. The manager expects Arsenal to compete for major trophies in the second half of the season. Barcelona had previously shown interest in Hincapie last summer. The player also attracted attention from Real Madrid at that time, with manager Jose Mourinho considered a fan of his abilities. Another defender on Barcelona’s radar is Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan.

Hincapie came on as a late substitute in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. That result marked the club’s first win at the stadium in 14 years and moved Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table. They currently sit three points ahead of Manchester City, who have lost their last two matches.

Arsenal faces Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The team aims to extend its unbeaten record against the Czech opponents. Arsenal won its first two European group stage matches without conceding a goal before drawing 2-2 with Bayern Munich in its most recent outing.